Eliminate the Run

The Dolphins' defense has done an excellent job at stopping the run this season for the most part.

In order to take down the Patriots, they'll need to continue to do what they do best.

The emergence of young running backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen in recent weeks has brought a whole other dimension to this already dangerous Patriots offense.

Stopping Tom Brady and the passing game will prove to be difficult, but it would be a huge mistake for the Dolphins to direct all of their attention to the air and sleep on the recently discovered run game of the New England Patriots.

The Dolphins' weak secondary will be done for if the Patriots' run game gets going early in this one, so look to Randy Starks and Paul Soliai to stuff Vereen and Ridley.